Magensäften

Magensäften, also known as gastric juice, is a digestive fluid produced by the stomach lining. It plays a crucial role in the digestion of food and the protection of the stomach itself. Magensäften is a highly acidic mixture, primarily composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen, and a small amount of mucus. The hydrochloric acid is responsible for creating an acidic environment within the stomach, with a pH typically ranging from 1.5 to 3.5. This acidity serves several important functions.

Firstly, the strong acid helps to kill ingested microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, thereby preventing infections. Secondly, it denatures proteins, meaning it unfolds their complex structures, making them more accessible for enzymatic digestion. The primary digestive enzyme in magensäften is pepsin. Pepsin is secreted in an inactive form called pepsinogen, which is then activated by the hydrochloric acid into its active form, pepsin. Pepsin is a protease, an enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

The mucus present in magensäften acts as a protective barrier, lining the stomach wall and preventing the highly acidic contents and the digestive enzymes from damaging the stomach tissues. Without this protective mucus layer, the stomach would essentially digest itself. Magensäften also aids in the absorption of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, although this process primarily occurs further down the digestive tract. The production of magensäften is regulated by various factors, including the sight, smell, and taste of food, as well as the presence of food in the stomach.